Page 40 of Trucker
“Hungry? I brought dinner as promised.”
Though I was curious about what she’d been going though with the people of this town, I didn’t ask. If they found the need to warn him off her, and talk behind her back, it couldn’t be anything good.
Talking about it could open old wounds—hurt her.
For the moment, I swallowed my curiosities.
Helping her off the sofa, she set the table while I unboxed the food I’d bought.
Since I wasn’t sure what she liked, I ensured there was pasta, chicken wings, a side of ribs and French fries. She was seated at the table while I carried two glasses with ice and two cans of cola back to the table.
“This all smells so good.” Taji inhaled while dishing herself a plate. “There is this Italian restaurant just north of here—the best thing you’ll ever put in your mouth will be their shrimp scampi.”
“I can guarantee that’s not the most delicious thing I’d ever put in my mouth.”
She eyed me.
I winked at her.
Her cheeks grew red.
“Are you always like this?” Taji asked.
“No—there’s just something about you.” I shrugged. “Don’t mind me. I figured you wanted me to be honest with you. Lies or pretence take too much energy and I’m fresh out right now.”
“Maybe you should eat then rest.”
“I’m fine.”
Taji stuck a shrimp into her mouth while shaking her head.
“Let me ask you this.” I chewed and swallowed. “Have you never had a man flirt with you before?”
“Do you see where I live?” Taji wanted to know. “There aren’t any worthy men here—hence the vagina train staring at you through a chain link fence at the firehouse.”
I said nothing to that.
Instead, I picked up a French fry and extended it to her. She accepted it with her mouth, blushed then averted her eyes.
“One day you’re going to have to look me in the eyes.” I told her, my voice soft. “It’s sexier when you do.”
“Don’t joke about that.”
“Who’s joking?” I wanted to know. “Like I told you earlier, I love a woman who fights back.”
“Everywhere?”
I tilted my head, confused as to what she meant by that.
“Do you like her fighting back in the office but give you control in the bedroom?”
I hid a smile with my glass as I sipped.
“I like strong women, Taji.” I admitted, shamelessly. “No matter where we are. She must know what she wants, what turns her on.”
“Wow.” She chuckled nervously. “Men never seem to like that. If I say things a certain way, I’m a bitch. If I say no to them, I’m a prude. And don’t get me started on the women.”
I smiled.
